Former President Jimmy Carter passed away in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, prompting Americans to prepare for a period of mourning. President Joe Biden announced plans for an official state funeral and memorial journey for Carter. The country is also grieving a deadly plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 people, leading to a national mourning period in the country. In other news, an outbreak of the stomach flu has hit the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting an increase in norovirus cases. The trend of feeding pets raw food is growing, but experts warn of potential health risks for animals. Business optimism among small business owners has increased since President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, despite uncertainty surrounding his policies on tariffs and immigration. The Empire State Building was illuminated in red, white, and blue in honor of Jimmy Carter. Overall, the country is facing a mix of emotions and challenges as the year comes to a close.
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